My main research interests are in the biology of insect crop pests and plant-virus-vector interactions, from both molecular and ecological approach. In particular on how findings from the lab can be translated and applied in the field to benefit growers. I am currently working on a BBSRC-funded project where my role is to investigate the biology and the egg laying behavior of the spotted wing Drosophila, D. suzukii, a major pest in soft and stone fruit production.
Prior to joining NIAB EMR, I did my PhD with John Carr at the University of Cambridge in plant virology. My previous research work was focused on investigating how a plant virus manipulates the behavior of its insect vector, the aphids and how this may facilitate virus transmission. Lastly, I am a passionate about capacity building where I am actively involved to organise an annual molecular biology laboratory training workshops for African agricultural researcher in Cambridge and Benin Republic.
Current research
Title: Exploitation of interspecific signals to deter oviposition by spotted wing Drosophila
Duration: 2019-2022
Partners: In collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, and Berry Gardens Growers Ltd.
Funders: BBSRC funded
Recent publications
- Tungadi, T., Donnelly, R., Qing, L., Iqbal, J., Murphy, A. M., Pate, A. E., Cunniffe, N. J., and Carr, J. P. (2020). Cucumber mosaic virus 2b proteins inhibit virus-induced aphid resistance in tobacco. Mol. Plant Pathol. 21:250-257.
- Wamonje, F. O., Tungadi, T., Murphy, A. M., Pate, A. E., Woodcock, C., Caulfield, J., Mutuku, J. M., Cunniffee, N. J., Bruce, T. J. A., Gilligan, C. A., Pickett, J. A. and Carr, J. P. (2020). Three aphid-transmitted viruses encourage vector migration from infected common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants through a combination of volatile and surface cues. Front. Plant. Sci. 11: 613772.
- Wamonje, F. O., Donnelly, R., Tungadi, T., Murphy, A. M., Pate, A. E., Woodcock, C., Caulfield, J., Mutuku, J. M., Bruce, T. J. A., Gilligan, C. A., Pickett, J. A. and Carr, J. P. (2020). Different plant viruses induce changes in feeding behaviour of specialist and generalist aphids on common bean that are likely to enhance virus transmission. Front. Plant. Sci. 10:1811. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01811.
- Carr, J.P., Murphy, A.M., Tungadi, T., and Yoon, J.Y. (2018). Plant defense signals : Players and pawns in plant-virus-vector interactions. Plant Sciences
- Tungadi, T., Groen, S.C., Murphy, A.M., Pate, A.E., Iqbal, J., Bruce, T.J.A., Cunniffe, N.J., and Carr, J.P. . (2017). Cucumber mosaic virus and its 2b protein alter emission of host volatile organic compounds but not aphid vector settling in tobacco. Virology Journal, 14 : 91.
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